For decades, the Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium operated quietly, visitors referred by word of mouth for strolls through the family-owned one-acre grounds. Then Instagram happened. Thanks to social media, this collection of exotic desert plants, succulents, and crystals dating to the 1930s now sees hundreds of people per day. The second-generation members of the Moorten family, who still manage the garden, make sure the grounds are impeccable. There’s plenty to see year-round—the garden is open daily, except Wednesdays—but the best time to visit is in April to late August, when you’ll find it abloom. Tours led by master gardeners several times daily reveal the fascinating stories behind the plants; desert shrubs, succulents, and garden supplies are also for sale. Whether you believe it’s from the crystals or not, the place is charged with positivity and peace. Pro tips: Arrive early to nab a shaded table for a bring-your-own picnic. And if you run into proprietor Clark Moorten, ask him about his childhood trips through Central and South America in search of specimens for the collection.
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA. Clark Moorten shown
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs, CA
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
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A historic landmark with over 3000 varieties of plants mostly dedicated to cacti
If you like succulents you are going to want to pay Moorten’s a visit. They have the largest variety I have ever seen. It’s quick walk through the garden but you might want to go back and enjoy it again. It is a living museum.
